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University of California Davis School of Medicine

Davis, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 20% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as low stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the motivation for pursuing medicine, challenges anticipated in medical school, experiences that influenced the decision to become a doctor, ethical dilemmas, strengths and weaknesses, and specific interests in the field. Many respondents mentioned undergoing an MMI format interview where they signed nondisclosure agreements, with questions focusing on role-play scenarios, teamwork, stress management, healthcare debates, and personal background.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of California Davis School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal challenges in pursuing medicine, ethical dilemmas, family influences, and scenarios involving patient care. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on references to nondisclosure agreements, with questions touching on ethics, patient scenarios, motivations for medicine, and personal attributes.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of California Davis School of Medicine discussed MMI scenarios, ethics questions about mentally disabled patients, and the most pressing problem in medicine today. The interview format may have been an MMI with a nondisclosure agreement in place, with questions ranging from personal attributes to healthcare reform and ethical dilemmas.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 2-3 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was moderately responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application, reading the school's website, and utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and practicing mock interviews. Many also researched current medical and ethical issues as well as common interview questions to feel more confident and relaxed on the interview day.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and supportive environment at UCDSOM, as well as the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students and faculty. The state-of-the-art facilities, early exposure to clinical experiences, and emphasis on student well-being and community engagement were notable highlights for many applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the late communication and organization of interview logistics, including last-minute requirements and scheduling uncertainties. They also mentioned dissatisfaction with outdated facilities, lack of student diversity, unimpressive tours, and disorganization throughout the interview day. Suggestions included improving communication, updating facilities, enhancing diversity, and streamlining the interview process.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the welcoming and stress-free environment of the interviews, the unexpected group interview with the Dean, the importance of eating a good breakfast due to the long day, and the need for a car to navigate between the two campuses. Many also mentioned the potential for down time during the day and the upcoming relocation of the medical school campus.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at UC Davis to be pleasant, low-stress, and enjoyable. They appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the conversational nature of the interviews, and the emphasis on being oneself. Some noted the helpfulness of the staff and students, while others highlighted the importance of having a car for transportation between locations and the need for validation of parking. Overall, the school was praised for its supportive environment, quality education, and emphasis on community and outreach.
  • Honestly as pleasant of an interview experience as I can imagine
  • Fell in love with the school and felt at home. It's like they say... "When you know, you know!"
  • Had a lot of fun with the staff and students. I also did the host program, which I would recommend. I went to eat dinner with the hosts and their friends and hostees the night before. It helped to break the ice with some of the people I was interviewing with. Staying the medical students also helped me with getting the know the school and their feelings with it.
  • Seriously, just relax and be yourself for MMI. Many people told me that and I didn't fully believe it until it was my turn. xd It was very interesting!
  • just be yourself, cliche, but because of the MMI format, thats really all you can do, because you can't study for it. get a good nights sleep the night before, come with questions for students, because you spend a fair amount of time with them in the morning and during lunch and on the tour.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should provide interview information earlier, be more responsive to communication, address special dietary needs, improve the electronic application system, and ensure staff are polite and helpful in all interactions. Additionally, they recommend better organization for interview day logistics and clearer communication about the interview process.